Knowing how to clean your hip flask properly is a sporting person’s dilemma. Nothing is worse than stopping for a nip on the hill, to find your best brewed sloe gin tastes like a mouthful of mercury. Follow our useful advice on how to clean your hip flask, and you will never need to waste another sip.

QUERY: I have recently purchased a large, silver-plated hip-flask and having washed it out with water I topped it up with my home-made damson vodka but, to my displeasure, I noted a distinct unpleasant aftertaste. Having sampled the vodka that did not go into the flask I know my prized brew is not to blame. Have you any suggestions as to how I might sort this out please?
MH, by email

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR HIP FLASK

ANSWER: Field readers recommend several methods concerning how to clean your hip flask.

Firstly, fill the flask with a solution of warm water and a few drops of washing-up liquid, shake well and then thoroughly clean with warm water before use.

To clean your hip flask you can also fill the flask with equal quantities of vinegar or lemon juice and hot water, secure the lid, shake well, then leave for about five minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Alternatively, pour into the flask a solution of 2 tsp of bicarbonate of soda mixed with a cup of distilled vinegar, shake well for 20 to 30 seconds, empty and rinse thoroughly.